Alto Garda Urged to Revive Golf for Tourism and Economic Growth
“Don’t miss the golf train!” In brief, this is the message that Cesidio Cordisco – golf player, former sports executive, former member of the provincial Coni, former club president, and former president of the Regional Committee of the Italian Golf Federation – sends to politicians, entrepreneurs, and tourism operators of Alto Garda.
“I’ve been hearing a ‘deafening’ silence on golf for some time,” writes Cordisco, “yet some say that our province has a tourist vocation. Some believe that internet can solve tourism demand issues, but the internet will not solve our supply problems: our tourism sector needs urgent updating because demand will become increasingly diverse and selective. We cannot lose a golf course that, along with other initiatives, will complete a higher quality offering. Golf is increasingly a tourism phenomenon with a mid-high target audience that benefits our province’s economy.”
The importance of golf and tourism initiatives
From time to time, some interest is shown in this mechanism, but most of the time, it comes from people without experience, who think they can improvise structures in unsuitable locations and with insufficient technical skills according to up-to-date requirements and standards. The idea of golf is inclusive and also serves as a unifier for other events: the golfer arrives days before events (congresses, conferences, fairs, etc.) and leaves after the event. Important personalities are increasingly involved in the golf world, and everyone promotes the field’s quality and playability if it is good.
Previously, I discussed the tourist flows of an 18-hole course, with provincial and European significance: 40,000 annual players, 20 jobs guaranteed year-round, and a direct induced workforce of equally many people (gardeners, farmers) closely connected to the course.
One can also consider an increase in value of securities, real estate, and local economy in neighboring municipalities. Fragmenting initiatives is pointless: Dro, Arco, Riva, Torbole should be a single effort for joint proposals. The fair and congress center should no longer wait; the sports arena needs to be built, and the lakefront (port, etc.) should be part of the same project, integrated with other realities so that each structure interacts with the others.
Environmental impact and proposals for the future
The impact on the territory is minimal, reversible, and pollution levels do not exceed those of other activities. The concrete pours are few and under control: today, worse ones can be seen elsewhere. To be practical and take stock, a Committee should be established, led by a figure of significant economic stature and proactive spirit, perhaps with a touch of patronage.
We have more than one person with these qualities. I would consider individuals like Arcese, Azzolini, Maino, Miorelli, Pederzolli, Lazzara, and others. Entrepreneurs accustomed to combining the future with present development efforts that we cannot evade. This will be the future of our children.”